Securing clip for track-mounted hairpieces

ABSTRACT

The description presented herein and illustrated by FIGS.  1  through  8  pertains to the invention that provides temporary securing of track-mounted hairpieces. This device consists of secondary frame  2  that is permanently attached to secondary frame  2  in such fashion as to mildly distort secondary frame  2  across its longitudinal plane. This allows primary frame  2  to be selectively pressed into a convex or compound shape relative to secondary frame  2 . A plurality of upwardly projecting teeth  6  allow one or more track-mounted hairpieces to be secured by pressing between said teeth and primary frame  2  or by interweaving between said teeth. Retainer band  10  can also be pressed around upwardly projecting teeth  6  as an additional securing means. Downwardly projecting teeth  4  extending from the horizontal section of primary frame  2  are then inserted into scalp hair closely against the head  14 . Secondary frame  2  is then pressed into its convex position, which causes scalp hair to be grasped securely between said frame and downwardly projecting teeth  8.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is preceded by and claims the benefit of provisional patent 60/478,618 which embodies the basic design.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to devices that provide attachment of track-mounted hairpieces to the human head. Track-mounted hairpieces, commonly referred to as “tracks”, consist of strands of human or synthetic hair that are bonded onto flexible strips of webbing. Past inventions have demonstrated a variety of clips that hold wigs and other hairpieces onto the wearer's scalp. Typically these devices must be permanently attached to a hairpiece and feature of a single set of teeth that grip the scalp hair. Kageyama et al. D414,002 discloses a wig clip that must be sewn into a hairpiece. Mochizuki U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,037 shows anchoring member that requires a mating mechanical fastener that is permanently mounted onto a hairpiece. Overmyer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,107 discloses a hairpiece with visible barrette-style attachment clip. Reagan U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,693 shows a hair arranging band that can also serve as base for mounting a hairpiece. None of these references show a device designed specifically to allow rapid attachment and removal of track-mounted hairpieces in a concealed fashion.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein provides an attachment means that allows track-mounted hairpieces to be quickly and securely affixed onto the human scalp. This device provides a more convenient alternative to the typical practice of sewing or gluing track-mounted hairpieces to scalp hair and does not require permanent attachment to the track-mounted hairpiece. Track-mounted hairpieces can be easily repositioned or removed, thereby adding a new dimension of convenience and comfort for the wearer. In conclusion, this device provides the following advantages not claimed in prior art:

-   -   Converts track-mounted hairpieces from a permanent to a         temporary mounting means that can be easily affixed,         repositioned or removed;     -   Provides a universal attachment means that can be used with any         track-mounted hairpiece;     -   Provides virtually invisible attachment of hairpieces; and     -   Eliminates the use of tools or adhesives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of the device's reverse face.

FIG. 2 depicts a frontal view of the device's obverse face.

FIG. 3 depicts a frontal view of the device's obverse face with a track-mounted hairpiece track interwoven between its upwardly projecting teeth.

FIG. 4 depicts a frontal view of the device's obverse face with a track-mounted hairpiece secured behind its upwardly projecting teeth and retaining band installed.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the device in convex or “open” position.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the device in use on the wearer's head and with a track-mounted hairpiece installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description presented herein and illustrated by FIGS. 1 through 6 pertains to the invention currently referred to as a Securing Clip for Track-Mounted Hairpeices. This device consists of primary frame 2 (resembling an inverted letter “U”) that is permanently attached to secondary frame 4 in such fashion as to mildly distort primary frame 2 across its longitudinal plane. As a result, horizontal member of primary frame 2 can be selectively pressed into a convex or concave shape relative to secondary frame 4 (FIGS. 5 and 6). A plurality of upwardly projecting teeth 4 extend from the obverse face of secondary frame 4 and feature unmounted pointed tips that terminate slightly above primary frame 2 (FIG. 2). A plurality of downwardly projecting teeth 8 extend from the reverse face of primary frame 2 and feature unmounted rounded tips which terminate slightly below secondary frame 4 (FIG. 1). Retainer band 10 consists of an elastic loop of sufficient inner diameter to be placed around the upwardly projecting teeth 6.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of this device while in use. To apply this device, the user presses track-mounted hairpiece 12 either behind or over upwardly projecting teeth 6 of outer frame 2. Retainer band 10 can be placed around said teeth as an additional securing means (FIG. 4). Primary frame 2 is then pressed into to convex or “open” position, which lifts downwardly projecting teeth 8 away from secondary frame 4. Downwardly projecting teeth 8 of secondary frame 2 are then inserted into scalp hair 8 closely against the head 14. Secondary frame 2 is then pressed into its concave or “closed” position. This closes downwardly projecting teeth 8 against secondary frame 4, which causes scalp hair to be grasped securely between said teeth and frame (FIG. 6). 

1) A device for temporary attachment of track-mounted track-mounted hairpiece pieces consisting of: a) a primary frame member resembling an inverted letter “U”, fabricated from a flat piece of flexible material; b) a plurality of teeth projecting downward from the horizontal center section of the primary frame member, with said teeth featuring smoothly rounded tips; c) a secondary frame member consisting of a horizontally disposed strip of flat, flexible material which is rigidly connected between the vertical sections of the aforementioned primary frame member; and d) a plurality of teeth projecting upward from the secondary frame member, with the unmounted ends of said teeth resting against the horizontal center section of the primary frame member. 2) Secondary frame member of claim 1 featuring: a) permanent attachment between the vertical sections of the aforementioned primary frame member in a fashion that slightly distorts said primary frame into a selectively concave or convex position, whereby the downwardly projecting teeth are held against the secondary frame while in the concave position or away from the secondary frame while in convex position; b) upwardly projecting teeth that have tips which are pointed and rest against the horizontal section of the primary frame member; and c) a securing band consisting of a loop of material of sufficient inner diameter to allow said band to be placed around the aforementioned upwardly projecting teeth. 